Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Marge Piercy's poem "Always Unsuitable" offers a powerful reflection on societal expectations, self-identity, and the experience of being an outsider. Through vivid imagery and candid introspection, Piercy explores the tension between societal norms and individual authenticity, particularly in the context of female sexuality and relationships.

The poem opens with the image of a woman wearing "little teeth of pearls around her neck," a symbol of traditional femininity and propriety. These pearls are described as "grinning politely and evenly," their polished appearance at odds with the speaker's sense of self. The pearls' smirk suggests a judgmental and superficial societal gaze, which deems the speaker "unsuitable" from the outset. This sets the tone for the speaker's exploration of her perceived inappropriateness.

The speaker acknowledges her own difference, likening herself to a "stuffed turkey in a suit," highlighting her discomfort in conforming to societal standards of appearance and behavior. The mention of her "breasts too big for the silhouette" further emphasizes her physical and metaphorical misfit within these narrow expectations. The contrast between her and the woman adorned with pearls is stark, underscoring the speaker's sense of being out of place.

The speaker's sexuality is a central theme in the poem, as she notes that the woman "knew at once that we had sex, lots of it." This frank admission is juxtaposed with the imagery of the speaker walking into a dining room "in a dirty negligee smelling gamy smelling fishy and sporting a strawberry on my neck." The raw and earthy descriptions of the speaker’s sexuality clash with the sanitized, controlled image of femininity represented by the pearls.

The poem reveals the speaker's awareness of being seen as a threat by mothers: "I was exactly what mothers had warned / their sons against." She identifies herself as "quicksand," "trouble in the afternoon," and "the alley cat you don't bring home," highlighting the fear and suspicion she elicits. This portrayal reflects societal fears of uncontrolled female sexuality and independence, perceived as dangerous and destabilizing.

The speaker contrasts her own experiences with the sheltered lives of those she is judged by: "Where I came from, the nights I had wandered and survived, scared them, and where I would go they never imagined." This suggests a depth of experience and resilience that the mothers cannot fathom. The speaker’s lived experiences set her apart, rendering her incomprehensible and threatening to those who adhere to conventional norms.

Despite the antagonism she faces, the speaker expresses a poignant desire for connection and acceptance: "Mostly Oh, mamas, I would have been your friend." She imagines herself cooking for and holding these women, offering a different kind of intimacy and support than they are accustomed to. The speaker believes she could have provided a more genuine form of love and companionship, challenging the "sorry marriages" and constrained lives the mothers endure.

In the final lines, the speaker declares that she "would have loved you better than you know how to love yourselves, bitter sisters." This statement underscores the speaker’s empathy and understanding of the deeper struggles these women face, despite their outward judgment and rejection of her. It also highlights the speaker's belief in the transformative power of authentic, unrestrained love and connection.

"Always Unsuitable" is a powerful meditation on the conflict between societal expectations and personal authenticity. Marge Piercy's candid and evocative language captures the pain and resilience of being an outsider, while also offering a vision of genuine connection and empathy. The poem challenges readers to reconsider their own judgments and the value of embracing one's true self, even in the face of societal disapproval.

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